SXSW: Inspiring Creativity, Compelling Stories …and Big Data

Our SXSW experience was a little different this year—we hosted a 2.5-hour workshop session! In addition to teaching others, we took the opportunity to learn and be inspired by the creativity and genius that converges in Austin every year. We sent a cross-functional team of Duartians from design, account services, and marketing. We were fortunate to have Nancy Duarte attend and speak this year, and we came away with some great insights and compelling stories.

Leading a workshop was our most unique experience at SXSW. (It was our first time speaking, and hopefully not our last!) We worked with nearly 200 professionals, helping them to shape their stories. Nancy Duarte started the session by explaining the persuasive story structure, and the team worked with attendees on exercises to help them hone in on their Big Idea and Move From/Move To.

Next, our Associate Creative Director, Ryan Orcutt, spoke on principles of design for improving slides. He had the audience up on their feet and tracing slides to show how they perceived the flow of information. Finally, we finished off the session with a Q&A panel. We loved the enthusiasm and brilliant ideas from our audience, and we …read more